Empowering Global Innovation: Gisma and University of Bath Collaborate on International Start-Up Workshop
Gisma University of Applied Sciences recently hosted a high-impact international start-up workshop in collaboration with the University of Bath, bringing together students from both institutions for a full day of entrepreneurial learning, creative exchange, and cross-cultural collaboration. Held at Gisma’s Berlin campus, the workshop was part of the university’s AMBA-accredited Global MBA programme.
The workshop focused on understanding how global cities like Berlin and London cultivate thriving startup ecosystems. Through interactive sessions and keynote insights, participants explored the roles that policy, education, and collaboration play in driving entrepreneurial success at both local and international levels.
One of the key highlights was a thought-provoking keynote delivered by Jan-Philipp Heinisch from the Berlin Senate Department, who shared practical perspectives on Berlin’s innovation landscape. His talk covered how the city’s government actively supports emerging businesses and fosters an ecosystem where startups can thrive. From funding mechanisms to regulatory frameworks and public-private partnerships, Berlin’s strategy was positioned as a dynamic model for other global cities.
Adding a comparative layer to the discussion, students from the University of Bath presented their research on London’s startup scene, sparking meaningful dialogue around the contrasts and synergies between the two cities. This comparative analysis gave participants deeper insight into how regional contexts, governance styles, and community involvement shape innovation in different ways.
The workshop culminated in a hands-on business ideation and pitch session, led by Prof. Phungmayo Horam from Gisma. Mixed teams of Gisma and Bath students worked together to develop and present original startup ideas, applying their academic knowledge in a real-world context. The outcomes demonstrated not only entrepreneurial creativity but also the value of cross-cultural teamwork, agile thinking, and rapid problem-solving.
Beyond academic enrichment, the event served as a platform for network building and international collaboration. It allowed students to step outside the classroom and into a space where global perspectives and practical challenges converged. For many, it was also a rare opportunity to understand the broader socio-political forces that influence entrepreneurial ecosystems.
This collaboration between Gisma and the University of Bath underscores both institutions’ commitment to practical, globally oriented business education. By bringing together future leaders to tackle real-world problems in a structured and supportive environment, the workshop reflected Gisma’s mission to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and international exposure they need to drive meaningful change.